You are here: Home / US / US Election News / US Voter List / How to register to vote in United States, Where to register to vote in US, Am I registered to vote, Registered to vote ,Register vote ,Voter Registration 2016 US polls,How to register to vote 2016 US polls

How to register to vote in United States, Where to register to vote in US, Am I registered to vote, Registered to vote ,Register vote ,Voter Registration 2016 US polls,How to register to vote 2016 US polls

How to register to vote in United States, Where to register to vote in US, Am I registered to vote, Registered to vote ,Register vote ,Voter Registration 2016 US polls,How to register to vote 2016 US polls

United States requires citizens to individually register to vote in the jurisdictions of residence. Some states accept citizen registration at the county level. The only exception is North Dakota, although local jurisdictions in North Dakota may create voter registration requirements.In most U.S. states, citizens registering to vote may declare an affiliation with a political party. This declaration of affiliation does not require the citizen to be a dues-paying member of a party, and may be changed at any time; declaration of affiliation also does not oblige voters to actually cast a ballot for that party's candidate(s) in an election. In many states, only voters affiliated with a party may vote in that party's primary elections, which are then called closed primaries.

Voting Rules in the U.S. Are Different in Every State

Register to Vote

If you need to register to vote, visit Vote.USA.gov. Depending on your state’s voter registration rules, the site can help you

First Time Voters

First time voters who didn’t register in person and haven’t previously provided proof of ID are required by federal law to show some form of identification.

Who Can and Who Can’t VoteWho Can Vote?

You can vote in U.S. elections if you:

Are a U.S. citizen

Meet your state’s residency requirements

You can be homeless and still meet these requirements.

Are 18 years old on or before Election Day

You can register to vote before you turn 18 if you will be 18 by Election Day. Check your state’s registration age requirements.

Register to vote by your state’s voter registration deadline

The one exception is for residents of North Dakota, which doesn’t have voter registration.

Who CAN’T Vote?

Non-citizens, including permanent legal residents

For President in the general election: U.S. citizens residing in U.S. territories

Some people with felony convictions. Rules vary by state. Check with your state elections office about the laws in your state.

Some people who are mentally incapacitated. Rules vary by state.

Whose Options Are Limited Due to Primaries, Caucuses or Political Party?

No one’s. In the general election, you can vote for any Presidential candidate on the ballot from any party:

Whether you voted in your state’s primaries or caucuses or not

Regardless of who you voted for in the primaries or caucuses

Regardless of whether you’re registered with a political party or not

If you miss the deadline for an absentee ballot

If you’re registered to vote but don’t receive your absentee ballot in time, you can still submit a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (pdf) on the FVAP website, or with assistance from a US embassy or consulate. If your regular absentee ballot arrives later, send it back still—the FWAB will only count if the regular ballot doesn’t reach the intended state’s office.

Be 18 years old (any person who is 17 years old and will be 18 years of age at the next general election shall be permitted to register in advance and also vote in any intervening primary or special election).

Be at least 18 years of age on the day of the election to be eligible to vote. Persons who are otherwise eligible to vote may register to vote at 17 years of age if they will be 18 by the next election.

Voter Registration Deadlines for the General Election by State

Find your state's voter registration deadlines for the Federal General Election—to be held on November 8, 2016—below. This page provides information taken from state election office websites as of October 14, 2016. This information can change due to holidays, natural disasters or other extensions applied in a state by state basis. We recommend contacting your local state election office to confirm. Or you can select your state name below to be taken directly to its election office website.